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Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email info@groundup.org.za.

Topic: Sassa  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

If someone is paying me back for a loan, should I declare it as income when I apply for a social grant?

SASSA will likely count the repayments as income. Because the grant value works on a sliding scale, I suggest you let SASSA know when the loan has been paid off.

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How can I get a permanent disability grant? I have not been able to work since 2018.

When you apply for a disability grant, you will undergo a medical assessment to determine whether you should qualify for a temporary or permanent grant.

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What can I do if someone fraudulently applied for a disability grant on behalf of someone else, and is collecting the money, without their knowledge?

The true beneficiary can officially revoke the power of attorney that the person has assumed, and report the fraud to SASSA.

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When I tried to apply for a SASSA grant, I was told it is already active. What should I do?

It is possible that someone is fraudulently using your details to collect a social grant. You should contact SASSA as soon as possible.

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If my SASSA grant is paid directly into my bank account, do I need to get a black card?

No. You only need to get a black card if you have been using a gold card to withdraw your grant money.

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Will SASSA back pay the grant money I was supposed to get if I lost my application number after I was approved?

SASSA does not explain how or if successful applicants whose grants haven't been paid will be back paid.

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Can I apply for an old age SASSA grant if my wife's annual income exceeds the maximum income threshold but I am unemployed and she is under debt review?

Unfortunately, if your combined income exceeds the threshold, your application is unlikely to succeed, but you can appeal the decision.

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Why was my SASSA grant stopped in December and January?

SASSA suspended SRD grants to beneficiaries suspected of fraud.

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How can I apply for a SASSA child support grant if I don't have a bank statement to prove my income?

If you don’t have a bank account, there are other ways you can prove your income situation to SASSA.

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If my SASSA card expires, can I still receive money but not be able to withdraw? Or will the money not be paid at all?

SASSA will not stop paying your grant money, but if you do not draw your grant for three months, the grant will lapse.

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